Second defeat in Casale for Ramondino’s team that holds up to the third quarter but is punished by the triple of the Happy Casa
CASALE MONFERRATO
The PalaFerraris of Casale Monferrato remains taboo for Bertram Tortona who does not unlock against Happy Casa Brindisi, remedying the second consecutive internal defeat of his adventure in Serie A1.
The Apulian team, which wants to immediately forget the bad internal slip in the Champions League, after having spent two fouls within 22 “, begins to find the big target from a distance, closing the first period with a 4/7 from the 6 meters line and 75: three consecutive bombs allow Frank Vitucci’s boys to place the first extension. Happy Casa runs well in transition and builds the break, while Bertram has some difficulties in attack, closing the first 10 ‘with 3/9 of three. The entry of Mascolo gives greater liveliness to the game of the Lions, who at the start of the second quarter are more precise in attack, putting their nose forward with a bomb by captain Tavernelli, very good at recovering an offensive rebound and then leaving the area and shooting from distance: 28-27 to Tortona. Brindisi gets back on the road, but Ramondino’s team doesn’t give up an inch and when JP Macura’s three-point shot from the corner expires, he gives -2 (42-44) to the long break. The third period travels in the name of balance, with Brindisi ending with only 3 points over the bianconeri. In the end what makes the difference is the 8/14 from the long distance of the guys of coach Vitucci.
The gap widens
In the last quarter, Bertram messes up, foolishly loses a few balls, while Happy Casa is careful and cynical under the basket. The gap widens slowly, touching the double figures: the Apulians are confirmed as one of the best equipped teams in the category; that of patron Gavio has room for improvement and must work on the details, which can make the difference in A1. The small margin is managed from Brindisi to the siren and Tortona’s comeback attempts are rejected by the careful biancoblu defense. There remains the regret of not having given the first joy to the home crowd, as always very noisy and warm in supporting Bertram with the cry: “Lions, lions”. Next Sunday, Ramondino’s team will be on stage on the Carpegna Pesaro parquet (4.30 pm).
3rd day: Dolomites Trento-Vanoli Cremona 84-68, Bertram– Toast 78-87. Today: Varese-Armani Milan, Venice-V. Bologna, Sassari-Reggio Emilia, Naples-Treviso, Trieste-Brescia, Fortitudo-Pesaro. Ranking: V. Bologna, Milan, Treviso, Reggio, Brindisi 4; Sassari, Pesaro, Venice, Trieste, Varese, Trento, Cremona, Bertram 2; Brescia, Fortitudo, Naples 0. –